Johns Hopkins
Commencement

Dear Families and Friends of the Class of 2024,

We are looking forward to welcoming you soon to help us celebrate our talented graduates. We know this is an event that many students and families have eagerly looked forward to for years—especially those in our undergraduate Class of 2024 whose high school graduation plans were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please know that we have no intention of canceling or delaying universitywide Commencement. commencement will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Homewood Field (inclement weather date, Friday, May 24 as planned).

As we do every year, Johns Hopkins has a comprehensive safety and security plan in place to support our Commencement celebrations. This plan includes preparations for the possibility of demonstration activity. While we support freedom of expression, Commencement is an academic event—and it is a moment that so many people have worked so hard to make possible. It is not an appropriate venue for disruptive behavior or violations of University policy, and students have been reminded that disruptions can result in disciplinary action, including immediate removal from the event and/or the withholding of a student’s diploma pending the outcome of student conduct proceedings.

The Commencement website has useful information about the event, including details on accessibility, food and drinks, and weather contingencies. Below are a few important highlights to ensure that the day goes smoothly for our graduates and for all of you.

1. Plan to arrive early—traffic will be heavy on and around campus, and parking is limited. If possible, please carpool, use public transportation, or take a taxi/ride-sharing service.
2. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. All students, graduates, and guests must bring a photo ID (students should use their JHU ID) and go through “airport-style” security screening for admittance, which includes searches of purses and other small bags. This will slow entry onto Homewood Field so please plan accordingly.
3. Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, balloons, posters, banners, flags, and noise makers or amplification are among the items that are not permitted in the stadium during Commencement. A full list of prohibited items can be found on the university’s Commencement website.
4. Tickets are not required for entry; there is ample seating for guests. Out of respect for all graduates, you are asked to stay until the ceremony ends around noon. Entry/reentry to Homewood Field will not be permitted after 10:00 a.m.
5. Designated, air-conditioned viewing areas showing a livestream broadcast of the ceremony will be available on campus.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to campus and celebrating with you and the Class of 2024!

Sincerely,
University Commencement Team
www.commencement.jhu.edu